Walking the marathon !

[Crystaltips]

A friend and myself have decided that in a bit for fitness and fundraising we are comitting to do The Belfast Marathon in may next year.

Due to bad backs and dicky hips ( ) we are having to Walk it rather than run it ....

I was wondering whether or not anyone would know where I can get my hands on a training plan for walkers ?

Thanks

just googled it .... loads of stuff sorry

CrystalTips, just make sure it's a race that welcomes walkers and that you keep well out of the way of people who want to run it. As a runner it is VERY frustrating when you are aiming for a goal time in a marathon to have to weave in and out of people strolling along in the middle of the road.

Thanks CB .... they start us off from a different location and then let us join the route once the faster ones have gone on !

But I know what you mean ....

How many marathons have you run ?

If you go to the walk the walk website which is set up for the moonwalk, they have a training programme for all fitness levels

I've done the moonwalk a couple of times and trained hard for them (power walking rather than strolling). The walk the walk website is good, but if like me you like a manuel, get "Walking for Fitness" by Nina Barrough (founder of the moonwalk). Published by Dorling Kindersley.
Good luck! It is brilliant for your health, you end up looking and feeling so much fitter.

If you want the Walking for Fitness book, let me know as I have just bought a copy of it but actually it's not for me at all!

I bought it when the kids started back at school and we were walking to/from the school but actually now I'm running it and doing okay. I'd rather see the book get used than sit here and gather dust!

oooh yes please .... PA .... that would be great .... How much do you want for it ... ? and I will put a cheque in the post ...

Any advice on pedometers ??? I am not too sure where to start ... and I am sure they are an essential item for training !

CrystalTips, I've run 3 marathons now - taking a break next year as I'm expecting my first baby in late February/early March but am hoping to be back in shape and ready to run the London Marathon in 2008.

I actually think in some ways it's harder to walk a marathon than to run it as it takes so much longer and consequently can be a lot harder on your joints.